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Nestled in France’s Alsace region, Colmar presents a distinctive tableau of half-timbered houses and canals. It’s particularly noted for its well-preserved Old Town, a area where a stroll reveals narrow lanes and buildings painted in an array of colours. The town's heritage is deeply connected to the Alsace Wine Route, standing as a significant point for those exploring the region’s viticulture.
Among its notable features are the Musée Unterlinden, housing the Isenheim Altarpiece, and the Bartholdi Museum, dedicated to the sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty. The area known as 'Little Venice' offers picturesque canal-side views, often navigated by flat-bottomed boats. Colmar also hosts a renowned Christmas market, drawing visitors with its festive atmosphere and local crafts.
For hotel stays in Colmar, the most common area to book is undoubtedly the historic Old Town, known locally as Vieux Colmar. This central district offers convenient access to most attractions and a delightful atmosphere.
Within the Old Town, areas like Little Venice (La Petite Venise) and the Tanners' Quarter (Quartier des Tanneurs) are particularly popular. Here, you'll find an abundance of traditional half-timbered houses, many of which have been converted into boutique hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments. Landmarks such as the Koïfhus (Ancienne Douane) and St Martin's Church are just a short walk away. For dining, look for restaurants serving Alsatian specialities near the Marché Couvert. The Unterlinden Museum, housing the Isenheim Altarpiece, is also easily reachable from this central zone.
Slightly outside the immediate historic core, but still within easy reach, is the area around the Colmar railway station (Gare de Colmar). This district tends to offer larger, more modern hotel chains and sometimes more budget-friendly options compared to the very heart of the Old Town. It's a practical choice for those prioritising easy train access, and you're still only about a 15-minute walk from Little Venice.
When considering where to stay, bear in mind Colmar’s transport links. The Gare de Colmar provides excellent rail connections, making it straightforward to arrive by train. For air travel, the closest major airports are EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL) and Strasbourg Airport (SXB). Both offer regular shuttle buses or train services to Colmar, so booking a hotel near the station can simplify your onward journey.
When planning your stay in Colmar, consider travelling outside of the busiest periods to potentially reduce accommodation costs. The most expensive times for hotels are typically during the Christmas markets in November and December, as well as the summer months of July and August when the weather is warm and festivals are plentiful. If your visit isn't tied to these specific events or the peak summer heat, you could find better value.
A good strategy is to book during the shoulder seasons or the quieter parts of the year. March to May and September to October generally offer pleasant weather and lower prices than the absolute peak. The quietest and often cheapest time to visit, avoiding the winter festivities and summer crowds, would be January and February, though some attractions might have reduced hours. Booking well in advance, especially for any time outside of January and February, is always a sensible approach.